Top-seeded Aggies dominate LSU, 77-58, in SEC Tournament quarterfinal

After a slow start, the top-seeded Aggies pull away from LSU, 77-58. 

Texas A&M (23-1, 14-1 SEC) avenged their only loss on the season against the Tigers of LSU – redeeming a painful January loss in Baton Rouge. The Aggies continue their quest for history with this quarterfinal win.

The first quarter saw a slow start by the Maroon & White. The Aggies struggled early against LSU’s stout defense as the Tigers forced nine turnovers in the first half.

LSU began the game on a 5-0 run and maintained a four-point lead (12-9) heading into the opening frame's final moments. Luckily, the Aggies' aggressive play in the paint provided many trips to the foul line, and four consecutive free throws gave A&M its first lead.

Ciera Johnson touched on how this team found its momentum after the first quarter.

“You just got to get comfortable with the gym and the rims. It’s not like we’re home and away,” Johnson said. “It took us a little while to get going, but once we did, I thought we did a good job with sharing the ball, and everyone did their job today.”

With physicality and tempo, Aggies got into a groove in the second and pulled away, 32-26. N’dea Jones came out hot, scoring a layup and a three about two minutes into the quarter.

LSU guard Khayla Pointer single-handedly brought the Tigers within one possession, hitting two 3-pointers and a layup.

In the final minute of the half, junior transfer Alexis Morris provided a spark from Texas A&M’s bench with back-to-back layups.

Morris’ production was exactly what the Aggies needed, amplifying their momentum going into the second half. This junior shot 5-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 at the line.

Johnson spoke about how crucial Morris’ boost from the bench was for the team.

“That’s what she does,” Johnson said. “We needed every one of her points today. We definitely needed that boost off the bench.”

The Aggies put LSU in the rearview mirror in the second half, finishing quarter three with a twelve-point lead, 52-40.

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Kayla Wells scored a team-high 16 points on Friday.

The Tigers’ energy began to wane as Texas A&M continued to showcase their depth and balanced attack, with five players scoring in the double-digits. Kayla Wells led the team with 16, Morris dropped 13, and Johnson, Jordan Nixon and Jones each poured in 12.

Ciera Johnson bragged on her teammate, Aaliyah Wilson, who grabbed 15 rebounds. 

“Wilson was the player of the game,” Johnson said. “Even though she wasn’t scoring the ball, she did everything else on the defensive end and rebounding. She brought great energy today.”

The Aggies finished the final quarter strong with point production spread across the bench. Kay Kay Green, Zaay Green and Destiny Pitts each got on the scoresheet.

Head Coach Gary Blair acknowledged the depth of his ball club.

“Our bench was tremendous,” Blair said. “Pitts hit a big three when we reversed the ball to her. Zaay Green has just fit into our team like a glove, and I cannot wait for next year.” 

The Aggies advance to the SEC Tournament semifinals and will play either Georgia or Kentucky Saturday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m.